DeVos Announces Additional Funds to Support Students at Colleges and Universities Impacted by Hurricanes

WASHINGTON — U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos announced the reallocation of $22.9 million in unexpended funds to assist students at colleges and universities located in Federal Emergency Management Agency-declared major disaster areas impacted by hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria, as well as postsecondary schools across the nation that have enrolled a significant number of students from the affected areas.

“Students and institutions devastated by last year’s hurricanes need and deserve our continued support,” said DeVos. “These additional funds will help provide the resources colleges and universities require as they continue to assist hurricane-impacted students get life back to normal.”

The Department will provide $5.4 million to students through the Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) Program, at 285 colleges and universities, including 277 postsecondary schools located in Florida, Puerto Rico, Texas and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Since September 2017, the Department has provided more than $13 million in additional relief funds through the FSEOG program to colleges and universities for undergraduate students with exceptional financial need.

Separately, the Department will deliver $17.5 million through the Federal Work-Study (FWS) Program, which provides part-time jobs for undergraduate and graduate students with financial need. These FWS funds will go to 1,179 affected colleges and universities, including 321 postsecondary schools in Florida, Puerto Rico, Texas and the U.S. Virgin Islands. In total, the Department has reallocated $27.9 million to colleges and universities for students participating in the FWS program.